It SUCKS Getting Old...

CallMeAl

Today I found out just how much I've lost over the years.

I recently bought a portable launch monitor. A PRGR from Top Shelf Golf and mainly to use in gaping my clubs. But , of course to see my swing speed, carry and overall distance.

Like most, we think we hit it a lot further than we actually do. Example, most of the time I think one my my "good drives" is in the 250-260 range. Guessing my swing speed is around 95mph. NOT!

According to the monitor, my average swing speed is around 82/83 mph and my carry distance is about 220-225. Total distance is about 235-240. Not once did I get to 250 yards!

Irons were just as bad. I thought I could carry an 8 iron about 150-155....Nope! 135-140 at best.

Now these were with range balls, but are they really that much shorter???

Like I said...Getting Old SUCKS!!!

shokosugi

CallMeAl

Range balls make a big difference- i general find them about a club shorter and less spinning as i play high spin balls.

scotts33

CallMeAl Like most, we think we hit it a lot further than we actually do.

When fitting clients in my golf fitting biz I send out a fitting questionnaire pdf. to get to know their strong and weak suits. 95% all answer their club distances as 10% to 20% longer than their actual carry distance on average. It's human nature to think you are doing more than you actually are. This is one reason over 75% are always short on approach shots to greens.

garyt1957

CallMeAl 240 with 83 mph SS is really good. Your driver must fit you well.

Par4QC

CallMeAl my average swing speed is around 82/83 mph and my carry distance is about 220-225.

Not sure how that was possible.

johnnydoom

Never used a launch monitor, but I'm right about with you distance wise. Don't think I've hit a 250 yard drive yet this year - most only going 220 - 230. On top of that I now need to take Tylenol or some other inflammation fighting drug prior to a round now or my back will start binding up and my swing becomes even weaker.

FauxAmish

Welcome to your new reality my friend.
Sounds like my game fir the last 10 years. But it does beat the alternative.
.

azgreg

Join the club. We had shirts made.

injim

garyt1957 Several years ago, I was clocked at 88 MPH on my best hits, which, according to that particular monitor, gave me a drive of 225. I remember posting this and being called into question about that number. 240 doesn't seem right at that club head speed.

sdandrea1

I'd KILL for those numbers. Stop whining! 😂

Eguller

Par4QC Not sure how that was possible.

G400 Max -----------------> with a shaved face. 🤣

garyt1957

injim yea, they used to say 2.5 yards per mph SS, but now they're down to 2.4 I believe and that's on perfect hits. I figure I'm around 90 so that would get me about 220 which is about right gets me about 230-240. Hit exactly one drive this year that got to 251, woo hoo!

Weirfan

This year is the first year i am noticing a big change. That could be a combo of age and losing 25 lbs. while I still get the odd one out there 270-280 average has gone from about 260 last year to 240 this year. Gonna work on flexibility and strength in off season and hopefully get that average back up over 250.

5i is going 185/190 so I'm able to comfortably play course yardages to 6700 which the blues at mine are

Eguller

Weirfan

When you know it is getting to be a problem is when your 'gaps' start shrinking - especially in longer clubs.
Club head speed and ball speeds get closer together. Happens with age - if your lucky enough to keep playing.

sdandrea1

Eguller When you know it is getting to be a problem is when your 'gaps' start shrinking -

Yep, driver=3wood=7wood. Just carry driver and a 9 wood.......

CallMeAl

I went thru the monitor history. Here's the average...

garyt1957

CallMeAl Could be giving you a lot of extra distance for roll?

DonM

CallMeAl
I guess it depends which of those numbers they are measuring and which they are calculating.
But the smash factor is way off. 132/83 = 1.59, and that's too high. Actually, impossible unless you are using an illegal driver.

If the 83 is right, your ball speed should be 120 or so. Your carry should be well under 200 and I would think that with roll, you'd be a bit above 200.

What do you get on the course?

scotts33

CallMeAl I believe that's total distance not carry? Yes/no? Does PRGR calculate smash factor?

CallMeAl

scotts33

Yes, total distance.

Club head speed
Ball speed
Total distance.

scotts33

Jaacob Bowden's chart from swingmangolf which I feel is accurate.

DonM

scotts33
How many 90 MPH swings do you see get 221 carry? I think it would take the very best AoA, pure hit, best launch and spin to get that. Maybe I am wrong.

I'm afraid to measure mine. It was low 90s a couple of winters ago, but I am pretty sure it's into the 80s now.

Spuzz

scotts33
The numbers for 100 swing speed look like mine now, and I suspect it's accurate.
Also, the numbers for 110 are slightly above what mine used to be.
:/

Weirfan

scotts33

seems like a reasonable chart, my SS is 100-105 and the numbers jive although my iron distances are More in line with the 110 SS column, likey because AP1 's have stronger lofts. My previous 2 Ping sets would coincide with the chart